Co-op Comments
Tree giveaway set for February 21
Rural Electric Cooperative has over 3,000 miles of electric distribution lines and clearing trees is an on-going project. One of the ways REC can provide reliable, affordable electric power is through its right-of-way clearing program which includes pruning, removals and chemical control. In addition to removing trees, REC crews also prune new growth during their daily routines.
REC’s tree giveaway program helps replace trees the Cooperative must remove from under its power lines. These trees are provided to the members as a way for the Cooperative to help replace one of our natural resources.
Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual tree giveaway for its members will be held Saturday, February 21 beginning at 8 a.m.
Employees of REC will be in Lindsay, Elmore City, Maysville and Rush Springs to give members trees during the Cooperative’s Operation Tree Planting/Replacement Program. Each member will each receive up to ten trees.
Employees of the Cooperative will be at the Walmart parking lot in Lindsay, located at the junction of Highways 19 and 76; in front of the Town of Rush Springs City Hall/Police Department in Rush Springs, located at 301 W. Blakely Street; the parking lot of the new Gathering House in Maysville, located at 314 6th Street
and the parking area of Casey's in Elmore City, located at 22964 Highway 29.
The types of trees available are Loblolly Pines and Shumard Oaks. 10500
Loblolly Pines are one of the most common pine trees. This North American native has dark green needles with narrow, redbrown pinecones about three to six inches long. These trees grow to be about 60’ to 90’ tall and have a spread of 25’ to 35’ wide once they reach maturity.
Shumard Oak is a pyramidal tree which grows to 50' to 90' tall. This oak variety will become more open at maturity. The leaves are up to seven inches long with two to four pairs of pointed lobes. During the fall the leaves will change to a scarlet color. Shumard Oaks are a relatively fast, growing tree and are drought resistant. Shumard Oaks are great shade trees and will produce acorns.
The Cooperative requests members not to plant trees any closer than 30 feet of the electric power lines. This will allow the trees to mature without requiring trimming or removal in the future.
Members should contact our office at 405-756-3104 ext. 238 for additional information.
Reliability requires investment for future
As your local power provider, REC’s mission has always been simple: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. But behind every switch, every warm home and every business opens its doors, is a complex system requiring constant care. Reliable electricity does not happen by accident. It requires ongoing investment in our local grid — through system repairs, maintenance, upgrades and the integration of new technologies helping us operate smarter and more efficiently.
Much of the energy system we rely on today was built decades ago. While it continues to serve us well, age alone means components must be repaired or replaced to maintain performance and safety. From poles and wires to transformers and substations, every part of the grid has a lifespan. Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan, but eventually equipment must be updated to meet modern standards. These proactive investments reduce the likelihood of outages, shorten restoration times when disruptions do occur and create a stronger backbone for our growing community.
The demands on the electric grid are also evolving. Homes and businesses today use more electricity than ever, and that trend will only continue. Electric vehicles,
advanced HVAC systems, smart appliances and new commercial facilities add load to the local distribution system. As these technologies take hold, the grid must be able to support increased demand while maintaining the reliability our members expect. Strategic upgrades are essential to ensuring we can meet these needs both today and in the decades ahead.
Implementing innovative technologies into the grid is not just a convenience — it is a necessity for ensuring reliability in an increasingly complex energy landscape.
At the same time, new technologies are reshaping how we operate. Tools such as automated switching devices, smart meters and advanced monitoring systems allow us to detect problems faster and respond more effectively. These technologies can isolate problems, reroute power to minimize outages and provide real-time data that helps us plan and maintain equipment more efficiently.
While these improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality and enhances safety for our crews and community. Most importantly, it ensures the essential power you rely on is available whenever you need it.
Our commitment to reliability runs deeper than infrastructure alone. It reflects our responsibility to the people and communities we serve. Every upgrade, every repair and every technology we deploy is an investment in your daily life — from the comfort of your home to the success of local businesses and schools.
We know powering our community means preparing for the future, not just maintaining the present. By investing in our local grid today, we are building the foundation for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.
February 2026
Co-op Comments
Official publication of Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. CO-OP COMMENTS is owned, controlled and directed by Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is printed monthly and mailed to members in Garvin, McClain, Comanche, Stephens, Grady and Carter counties in Oklahoma.
Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. 13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609
Lindsay, OK 73052
405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504
Outage Number: 855-399-2683 www.recok.coop
Board of Trustees
Gary Jones, President, District 1
Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1
Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1
Larry Anderson, District 2
Johnny Harrel, District 2
Terri Hays, District 2
Mark Finch, District 3
Randy Griswold, District 3
Sonny Harrison, District 3
Lisa Whitman, Attorney
Management and Staff
Dusty Ricks, Manager/CEO
Darren Townley, CFO
Linda Ray, Manager of Staff Development
Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer Service and Data Processing
Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering
Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information Technology Services
Eric Neill, Manager of Cyber Security and Special Projects
Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing
Casey Henson, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities
Scott Henson, System Superintendent
Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
Diversified fuel portfolio is vital for stability and reliability
Have you ever thought about where your electricity comes from when you flip on a light switch? If you are part of an electric cooperative, the answer might surprise you. Electric cooperatives use a variety of energy sources, or fuels, to generate electricity. This mix of fuels helps keep power reliable, affordable and more environmentally friendly. WFEC’s focus is on providing the best service for their members while balancing cost with reliabilitynot making profits.
Different Fuels, One Goal: Electricity
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is a not-forprofit, wholesale power supplier for 21 distribution cooperatives and Altus Air Force Base, located across Oklahoma and into parts of New Mexico. WFEC maintains a well-balanced and diversified portfolio of generation resources, including renewables such as wind, solar and hydropower. Generating facilities are located at Mooreland, Anadarko and Hugo, Okla. and Lovington, N.M. These power plants provide natural gas and coal-powered energy. Contracted/power purchase agreements are located throughout WFEC’s service territory.
WFEC does not rely on just one fuel, rather it uses a diverse mix to ensure power is always available, no matter the weather or fluctuating market conditions. This diversification is beneficial to WFEC and its members.
Why WFEC Uses a Mix of Fuels:
Reliability: A diverse fuel mix provides a buffer against supply disruptions or fluctuations in any single energy source. For example, wind and solar power can be supplemented by alwaysavailable sources like coal or natural gas during periods of low renewable energy production.
Cost: Some fuels are cheaper at various times, while some are more volatile due to market conditions and extreme weather events. Utilizing the lowest-cost resources first and leveraging different fuel types helps keep electric rates lower.
A Bright Future:
WFEC is currently building more natural gas generation, with plans for additional natural gas generation by 2029. Concurrently, several projects for wind, solar and battery generation have been put in place to purchase the power from these non-WFEC owned facilities produce.
In summary, a diverse fuel mix allows WFEC to balance the characteristics of different energy sources, ensuring a reliable, affordable and responsible electricity supply for its distribution cooperative members. By utilizing a diverse mix of fuels, WFEC will continue to maintain reliability - now and in the future.
For additional information, please visit the WFEC website –www.wfec.com.
WFEC's Fuel Diversity - 2024
Renewables* -24%
Wind - 18%
Solar - 5%
Hydro - 1%
Generation - 23%
Coal - 11%
Natural Gas - 12%
Power Purchase Agreements - 16%
Grand River Dam Authority
Oneta Power Plant
Southwestern Power Service
SPP Market Purchases** - 37%
(**includes blend of resources)
WFEC owns and operates a diverse power generation fleet consisting of gas and coal generation, in addition to solar and wind facilities. WFEC also has power purchase agreements for wind, solar, natural gas and hydroelectric generation.
FEMA helps keep the lights on
When a storm rolls through, REC is ready to respond. Our crews work around the clock to restore power, repair damage and make sure every member’s lights come back on as quickly and safely as possible. But when that damage is severe, the cost of rebuilding can add up quickly - and that’s where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) steps in to help.
Most people think of FEMA responding to natural disasters that make national news, such as hurricanes or widespread wildfires. But electric co-ops also rely on FEMA after smaller, localized events - the kinds of storms not always make national headlines but still cause significant damage.
A few inches of ice or a sudden flash flood can snap utility poles, damage substations and leave miles of power lines on the ground. In rural areas, where electric co-ops serve fewer members across larger territories, repairing damage can be especially challenging and expensive. FEMA assistance helps ensure those costs do not fall entirely on co-op members and power can be restored quickly without putting financial strain on small communities.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps co-ops like ours rebuild critical infrastruc-
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
Mid-winter is a great time to ensure you are making the most of your home heating system. Replace or clean filters to keep your furnace or heat pump running efficiently. Listen for strange noises and check for uneven heating - these signs indicate the system may need servicing. Ensure vents and radiators are not blocked by furniture or rugs as proper airflow helps your system work less and saves energy. A little maintenance along the way can prevent costly repairs and keep your home cozy through winter.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
ture after disasters, large or small. This essential partnership ensures we can focus on restoring power and supporting our community instead of worrying about how to fund large-scale repairs.
The FEMA Act of 2025 is making its way through Congress and aims to modernize the agency’s programs, making it easier and faster for essential service providers like REC to restore and rebuild. It is an
important step toward keeping disaster recovery fair, efficient and focused on the people who depend on reliable electricity every day.
Whether it is a large-scale storm or a localized event only affecting a few towns, FEMA’s support helps electric co-ops do what we do best - serve our members and keep the lights on, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
Free used wood poles available at REC
REC has used wood poles available for free. If you are interested or need more information please call the Warehouse at 405-756-3104 ext. 253.
Local Co-op Connection Card Deals
A-U-Store It, Purcell -
$5 off first month rent
Backroads Boutique, Lindsay5% off everything excluding special order and sale items
Best Western, Chickasha15% Off Regular Room Rate
Blue Moose Portable and Septic Services, LLC, Elmore City5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental and Special Event Toilet Rentals
Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha$50 off any big diesel oil change
Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures
Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay$5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change
M & M Furniture, Chickasha10% Off Any Purchase
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell10% Off Purchase
Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25
Pharmacy Discounts -
Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a complete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.